The 45th Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair and the 14th Salon de TIME, jointly organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), Hong Kong Watch Manufacturers Association Limited, and The Federation of Hong Kong Watch Trades & Industries Limited, concluded successfully yesterday, attracting over 17,000 trade buyers from 115 countries and regions. The event, held from September 2 to 6, showcased the latest products from more than 400 watch and fashion brands, with Salon de TIME open to the public free of charge. Together with CENTRESTAGE, the concurrent events drew over 20,000 public visits.
The fair's significance extends beyond numbers. As the world's largest one-stop watch and clock marketplace, it connects the entire value chain, from manufacturing and sourcing to brand promotion, creating a comprehensive industry ecosystem. HKTDC Associate Executive Director Smilely Lam highlighted that this year's Salon de TIME attracted more than 150 brands globally, achieving a record scale. The Microbrands zone doubled its exhibitor count, reflecting strong market demand for personalized designs, cultural elements, and compelling brand stories. 'The fairs created opportunities for industry players worldwide to connect, collaborate, and forge business partnerships,' Lam said, 'and also fully demonstrated Hong Kong's strengths as an international trading platform.'
The event also served as a barometer for industry trends. A survey conducted by HKTDC among 890 exhibitors and buyers revealed that 50% expect overall sales to increase in the next 12 to 24 months, while 43% anticipate stability. Latin America (68%), Korea (67%), the Middle East (64%), Australia (64%), and South Africa (64%) were identified as offering promising growth prospects. In terms of product trends, 37% of respondents believe fashion watches hold the greatest growth potential, followed by smart watches (30%) and casual watches (26%).
Exhibitors reported robust business results. Lu Yalan, Brand Manager of Nanyue Watches at Hunan Shengshi Weide Technology Co., Ltd., noted connections with potential buyers from India, Italy, and Malaysia, including an Italian buyer interested in purchasing 2,000 watches. 'We expect sales generated during the five-day fair to exceed US$3 million,' she said. Chauncey Chiu, Senior Sales Manager at Peacock Watch (Group) Co., Ltd., secured orders daily and expects total sales to exceed RMB10 million, with new customers from Kuwait and Mexico. Nabil Dabaan, CEO of Jovial, a UAE wholesaler, plans to source approximately US$1 million worth of watch components and US$250,000 in packaging materials.
The fair also facilitated cross-industry collaborations and showcased innovations. CN Innovations Limited, a 45-year participant, displayed 3D-printed titanium watches. At Salon de TIME, the Guochao trend was prominent, with brands like Sea-Gull Watch and Shanghai Watch launching products. George Xu, CEO of Fosun Watch Group, reported engagements with customers from India, the Middle East, Russia, and Southeast Asia, expecting sales to exceed HK$1 million. 'Hong Kong is also a very important market for us,' Xu added, noting plans for a flagship store in Central following the fair.
The Microbrands zone, featuring 29 brands from eight countries, doubled its exhibitors. MicroMilspec from Norway, a debutant, received over 170 visitors on the first day, estimating potential sales of US$29,000. Watchcatavlog from Hong Kong, a returning exhibitor, saw a 20% increase in visitor inquiries and attracted buyers from Brazil, Canada, India, and the US. WOLF, a UK luxury watch winder brand, launched the world's most compact travel winder and connected with around 40 potential buyers via HKTDC's Click2Match platform.
The fair's impact extends to Swiss independent watchmakers. Amarildo Pilo, Owner of PILO & CO SA and Founder of the Swiss Independent Watchmakers Pavilion, noted that the pavilion grew from 10 to 14 brands. 'The fair's international reach is a key reason why we continue to participate,' he said, having met clients from Kazakhstan and the Chinese Mainland.
Beyond business, the fair offered public engagement. LINK2CARE and MARVIN collaborated on a luxury smartwatch with medical-grade sensors. Paul Yuen, Director of Dayton Industrial Co. Ltd, noted that watches priced over HK$2,000 sold more than 100 units on the first day. The newly introduced Time Arena activity zone, featuring pickleball, enhanced visitor engagement. Abel Hwong, Publisher of World of Luxury Times, led a 26-member delegation that purchased 12 watches worth over HK$100,000.
The fair's conclusion marks the beginning of a series of autumn trade fairs by HKTDC, including the Hong Kong Electronics Fair (Autumn Edition) and electronicAsia from October 13-16, followed by lighting fairs. All will adopt the EXHIBITION+ hybrid format, allowing continued online business discussions.
